Eat Like Locals When You’re In Penang

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.”

– Paul Prudhomme

Well, darn right you don’t! Especially when it comes to Malaysian food! Who needs forks when you’ve got fingers?! Anyway, Malaysia the land of the food, but quite specifically, if you’re looking for a slice of heaven, then let us assure you, you want to take the stairway to Penang Island, every foodie’s heaven. We don’t know about you but we LOVE choices, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get in Penang. So here’s the Venuescaper’s Guide to the best eat like locals when you’re in Penang.

1. Toh Soon Cafe

Address : Lebuh Campbell, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening Hours : 08:00AM – 06:00PM (Closed on Sundays)

One of the oldest places on this island and is still the best place to grab your ‘Roti Bakar‘, a set of half boiled eggs, a cup of Ice Coffee and a packet of Nasi Lemak. It’s always packed with people but we promise that it’s worth the wait. The bread is toasted using the old fashion way – charcoal. So it gives out that crispy outer and is fluffy and soft on the inside. Yum.

2. Penang Road Teochew Chendul

Address : 27 & 29 Lebuh Keng Kwee,10100 Georgetown, Penang

*It’s just down the road from Toh Soon Cafe, so you can just walk there.

Okay, we know there are many places in Penang to get a mean bowl of Chendol, but if you really want to experience the full on local-eating-ways then head on to Penang Road. It’s technically the birthplace of this famous delicacy! You know what you can’t get from the franchised, air conditioning stores? The delight of queuing up under the scorching sun and then stand while enjoying a thirst-quenching bowl of Chendol.

3. Chulia Street Night Hawker Stall

Address : Lebuh Chulia, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening Hours : Daily, 07:30PM – 11:30PM

Little do people know, Chulia Street has a whole street of AMAZING hawker food at night! Well, that’s cause during the day, you’ll never expect to find one of the greatest Penang street hawker stalls here. You’d be surprised! You CANNOT miss out on the Wan Tan Mee, Curry Mee and Juice here! There’s a reason locals would scout for parking just to eat here because it is SO good.

4. Passions Of Kerala @ New World Park

The name is already so exotic, so don’t expect less of the food because believe it or not, this is one of the best Southern Indian Cuisine in Penang! The original shop is housed in a neighbourhood, Brown Garden but the one we’re recommending is located in New World Park! Mutton Masala, Fried Bittergourd, Fried Squid – NOTHING DISAPPOINTS. Finger licking good alright!

5. Ju Heng Tom Yam

Now, this is on the mainland, Butterworth but hey, it’s still Penang! Locals are more than happy to drive all the way there just to have a fix of this delicious Tom Yum. We cross our foodie heart that it’s THE winning bowl! Remember to just let them know if you prefer Tom Yam or Chicken Soup, once you’ve picked the ingredients you want in your good warm bowl – be prepared to experience pure foodgasm!

6. Wai Kee Chicken Rice

Unknown to most, Chulia Street’s Chicken Rice is quite low key IF you don’t know the place. Unlike many other Chicken Rice shops, Wai Kee’s Char Siew is one of the crispiest and the most savoury we’ve ever tasted! It melts in your mouth like a sinner.

Nestled in a housing area, Island Glades is no stranger to Penangites. The Tau Fu Fah has never disappointed anyone here and the Chee Cheong Fun? Well, the reason behind all this goodness is that they add Peanut Butter to the paste! No wonder it’s so famously good!

8. Penang Laksa @ Nan Guang Coffee Shop

Photo Credits : http://www.vkeong.com/

Address : 67, Main Road, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening Hours : Daily 12:30PM – 03:30PM (Closed on Wednesday)

Balik Pulau is pretty far from most areas in Penang for it takes a while to get there. It’s more to a village area but the drive there is completely scenic. It’s also where Durian Farm is. This laksa stall has been famous for generations. They have the lemak and asam, but both are equally as good!

9. Mee Sotong @ Esplanade

Well, we’re not gonna say much on this. Guess you’re gonna have to try it for yourself to see how divine it is!

10. Lok Lok @ Pulau Tikus Market

Address : Pasar, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Opening Hours : 04:00PM – 11:00PM

Lok Lok literally means Dip Dip in Cantonese which is like steamboat where you dip skewered food in hot boiling water till it’s cooked. Then you dip it with the sauces, whichever to your liking. There is a wide range of skewers for you to choose, from seafood to vegetables! This is definitely a must-try when you’re in Penang! Nothing feels greater than sharing food paradise with people.

This post has come to and end and with that, we wish you, Happy Food Hunting! On a second note, if you are planning an event soon but don’t know where to start, don’t be shy to call us for assistance at +6016-7200 347 or visit us at www.venuescape.my!

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